Mmmm, yes, you're right, but it can also turn angry radicals back into people, on occasion. Skillz and timing dependent, of course.
Discussion
I've never seen that happen.
Mocking ideas in a comical way can change people's minds.
But mocking people will make them angry radicals at worst, or make them lose all respect for you at best.
I think you hit the nail on the head there. Play the ball, not the man. And even then, skillz and timing.